Perforated document read head

ABSTRACT

A self-adjusting, self-cleaning low mass reading sensor for a perforated document wherein a conductive elastomeric element penetrates the perforations to make contact with a conductive element on the other side of the document. A plurality of biasing means urge the two conductive elements together and compensate for conductor wear. The abraded particles of the conductive elastomeric element become electrically non-conductive upon abrading.

United States Patent 1 Thomas [451 Dec. 4, 1973 PERFORATED DOCUMENT READ HEAD Richard V. Thomas, 8440-l8th Ave. S.W., Seattle, Wash. 98106 [22] Filed: Aug. 5, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 169,442

[76] Inventor:

[52] U.S. Cl. 235/6L1l A, 200/46, 235/61.l1 C {51] Int. Cl. G06k 7/06 [58] Field of Search ZOO/46; 235/61.1l A;

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS Christopher 200/46 Hammel 235/61.l1 A

2,297,772 10/1942 Johnson 200/46 Primary ExaminerThomas A. Robinson AttorneyThomas W. Secrest [57] ABSTRACT A self-adjusting, self-cleaning low mass reading sensor for a perforated document wherein a conductive elastomeric element penetrates the perforations to make contact with a conductive element on the other side of the document. A plurality of biasing means urge the two conductive elements together and compensate for conductor wear. The abraded particles of the conductive elastomeric element become electrically nonconductive upon abrading.

25 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 41375 3.777. 119

saw u or 4 f/MW/ 1/, 333;

W Year erZ" PERFORATED DOCUMENT READ HEAD There are many methods for looking at holes in a document and for reading the information in the holes in the document. Generally, the document is paper and may be paper tape or may be a paper card, such as a Hollerith card.

Some of the methods for reading the holes in the document are pin sensing with an electrical contact, a wire brush, light rays in conjunction with photocells, a star wheel, a dielectric change in the paper caused bythe holes in the paper, a passage of air through the holes in the paper to cool and change characteristics of resistance wires, and pin sensing connecting to a transducer.

Many of these methods and apparatus for looking at holes in a document wear the document. For example, the pin sensor wears the document. The wire brush scrapes along the face of the document and wears the document. The star wheel abrades the document.

A further problem is the registration of the document and the reading means. It is difficult to register the document and the pin sensing means. Also, it is necessary with the photoelectric cell to have careful edge registration of the document and the reading means. Likewise, to read a dielectric change in the document means careful registration of the document with the reading means. This is also true for the passage of air through holes in the document to cool resistance wires.

In certain instances the reading sensor, such as the wire brush, is subject to wear. The wire brush passes through the document. If, for some reason, the document moves backwardly, the wire brush is damaged, bent, and, may even be, broken.

All of the enumerated methods for reading the information in a document require maintenance. It is necessary to make sure that the document registers with the reading apparatus. If the reading apparatus becomes out of adjustment, it is necessary to adjust the'reading apparatus as the reading apparatus is not selfcompensating. As a rule of thumb, a pin sensing unit may have a reliability of approximately one month'or two months. A star wheel should be cleaned every few hours. Also, photoelectric cells need to be adjusted-and need to be cleaned periodically. The cleaning of photoelectric cells may be complex.

Also, these enumerated methods and apparatus are of a generally high initial cost.

As is readily appreciated, any electrical contact gets dirty and it is necessary to carefully maintain these electrical contacts. In this regard, the pin sensing apparatus, the wire brush, and the star wheel are subject to becoming dirty. In many instances there is a pronounced disruptive contact bouncein the reading apparatus as the document passes through the reading apparatus. This contact bounce wears the reading apparatus, causes unreliable reading, and thereby shortens the life of the reading apparatus.

From having worked with many of these methods and apparatus for reading holes in a document, I have developed the subject invention which causes substantially no abrasion to the document and eliminates the registration problem and, is also of relatively low initial cost. Further, this is accomplished with high reliability document reading. Accordingly, an object and advantage of this invention is to provide a reading sensor and an electrical contact assembly of low initial cost; a further object is to provide a self-cleaning reading sensor; another important object is to provide a low mass reading sensor with the electrical contact assembly in the immediate area of the document transport; to provide a reading sensor which causes substantially no damage to the document upon reading the document; an additional object is to provide a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly of zero gravity characteristics whereby said reading sensor and electrical contact assembly can be used as an extra-terrestrial device; an additional object is to provide an end of document or broken document sensor at the read head station; an additional object is to provide a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly which does not stretch the document; to provide a reading sensor of such a design as to allow the reading sensor to be quickly changed by an operator; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly and which combination can function in any attitude; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly which are insensitive to shock and vibration; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly requiring substantially no maintenance except for a change of the reading sensor in the field; an additional object is to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact'assembly requiring no adjustment as the reading sensor is selfcompensating; to provide a reading sensor which can read a wide variation in the thickness of the document, such as reading a document up to about six mils in thickness without any difficulty; to provide a method and apparatus whereby the sprocket pulses can be used as clock pulses to look at the data carried by the document; to provide apparatus capable of reading holes in a document of various sizes and spacings and configurations; to provide apparatus whereby the document can be pulled through the reading means; to provide reading apparatus comprising, essentially, one moving part; to provide apparatus which is substantially inert and insensitive to atmospheric corrosion; to provide a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly not producing electrical arcing since the resistance between the reading sensor and the electrical contact assembly changes slowly; to provide apparatus which is substantially insensitive to a change in atmospheric temperature; to provide a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly which is low in acoustic noise; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly having no contact bounce; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly which can be amplified simply; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly which can drive integrated circuits directly as there is a substantially constant current due to resistance in the reading sensor; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly which return to a zero type contact; to provide a reading sensor which does not increase in malfunction or decrease in reliability even though the reading sensor wears; to provide a reading sensor of a substantially uniform homogeneous material. and thereby provide uniform energy to the electrical contact assembly; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and elec trical contact assembly having no reasonable speed limit on the speed of the document passing through said combination; to provide a reading sensor whose wear particles are not damaging to the reading of the document; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly which can be used in the slew mode or in the step-by-step mode; to provide the combination of a reading sensor and electrical contact assembly having mechanical load characteristics such that the inertia is coupled to the load through the springlike action of the electrical contact assembly with sufficiently low inertia characteristics making it possible to have rapid acceleration and deceleration; to provide apparatus which is not directionally sensitive and may be considered to be symmetrically bidirectional; and, provide a reading material such that the contact material of the reading sensor continually renews itself as the contact material wears.

These and other important objects and advantages of the invention will be more particularly brought forth upon reference to the accompanying drawings, the detailed description of the invention and the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view, of the shcematic presentation, of the combination of a reading sensor and an electrical contact assembly with the electrical contact assembly being resiliently urged toward the reading sensor, and with a document having holes positioned between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly;

FIG. 2 is an end elevational view of the reading sensor and the electrical contact assembly and illustrates the electrical contacts elevated with respect to the insulating material between said electrical contacts;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary view illustrating the electrical contact assembly and shows the electrical contacts recessed with respect to the upper surface of the insulating material between the electrical contacts, so as to allow a document having electrical conductive characteristics to be used with said electrical contact assemy;

FIG. 4 is an end elevational view showing the reading sensor with a segmented head and an electrical contact assembly, with the electrical contacts aligned with the segmented head of the reading sensor;

FIG. 5 is an end elevational view illustrating the combination of a reading sensor in the Configuration of a right circular cylinder, an electrical contact assembly being resiliently urged toward said reading sensor, and a document positioned between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly, and with means to restrain the movement of said electrical contact assem- FIG. 6 is an isometric fragmentary view illustrating a reading sensor in the configuration of a right circular cylinder and rotating electrical contact assembly, of segmented construction, with slip rings positioned in contact relationship with the electrical contacts and said electrical contact assembly;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a reading sensor in the configuration of a cone;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a reading sensor in the configuration of a hemisphere;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a reading sensor in the configuration of a belt and a shaft;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a reading sensor in the configuration of an ellipse;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the reading sensor comprising a moebius strip and a shaft;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view illustrating a reading sensor comprising a rolling shaft and a rubbery-like electrically conductive elastomer, an electrical contact assembly, and a document with holes positioned between said electrically conductive elastomer and said electrical contact assembly;

FIG. 13 is an end elevational view of an electrical contact assembly having the electrical contacts flush with the recessed surface at the document guide; and

FIG. 114 is a schematic isometric view of a fixed reading sensor with electrodes and a rotating electrical contact assembly.

In FIGS. l and 2 there is a schematic illustration of the reading sensor 20, the electrical contact assembly 22, and the document 24.

It is seen that the document 24 comprises a strip 26 of material having a plurality of holes 28. In FIG. 1 it is seen that there are sprocket holes 30 which may be considered to be the clocking holes of the clocking information for the tape 24.

The reading sensor 20 is in the configuration of a right circular cylinder, and has a shaft 32.

There is a motor 34 having an output shaft 36.

The shaft 32 of the reading sensor 20 and the shaft 36 of the motor 34 are joined by a coupler or union 38. Therefore, with the driving of the shaft 36, the shaft 32 and the reading sensor 20 are rotated.

The electrical contact assembly 22 comprises a base 40 having two spaced apart upright supports or pedestals 42.

There is positioned on the pedestals 42 a document guide 44. The document guide comprises a main body 46 having a recessed central portion 48. The recessed central portion 48 in conjunction with the main body 46 defines two spaced apart shoulders 50. The spaced apart shoulders 50 function as guides for the document 24.

There are a number of passageways 52 in the central portion of the body 46. In the passageways 52 there are positioned electrodes or electrical contacts 54.

The electrical contacts 54 by means of electrical wires 56 are joined into a bundle of electrical wires 58 which connect with a source of electromotive force and load 60. Also, the source of electromotive force and load 60 by means of an electrical wire 62 connects with the reading sensor 20.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 it is seen that there are springs 64. The springs 64 are positioned between the document guide 46 and the base 40 so as to resiliently urge the document guide 46 toward the reading sensor 20. In fact, the springs 64 force the document guide 46 against the reading sensor 20. When a document 24 is positioned between the reading sensor 20 and the document guide 46, then the document 24 is forced against the reading sensor 20.

The document guide 46 may be of a suitable dielectric or insulator, such as a suitable plastic. The electrical contacts 54 or electrodes 54 are of a suitable conductor of electricity. In FIG. 2 it is seen that the electrodes 54 project somewhat above the upper surface of the recessed portion 48 of the document guide 46. In this instance the document 24 is of a dielectric material or has insulative characteristics.

The reading sensor 20 is of an elastic, resilient and electrically conductive material. This material may be a rubber-like material. It has memory characteristics in that when it is distended through the holes 28 in the document 24 it returns to its original, or substantially original, configuration.

In practice, the springs 64 force the document guide 46 toward the reading sensor 20. The document 24 is positioned between the document guide 46 and the reading sensor and is therefore forced against the reading sensor 20. The shaft 36 of the motor rotates so as to rotate the shaft 32 and the reading sensor 20. Since the reading sensor 20 is of an elastic, resilient, rubbery-like electrically conductive material, the reading sensor 20 will distend through the holes 28 and 30 in the document 24 so as to make contact with the electrodes 54. In this manner the information in the document 24 is transferred to the load 60 and is 'used by the electrical system of 60. After the document 24 has passed beyond the reading sensor 20, the reading sensor 20, due to its memory characteristics, assumes its, substantially, original shape prior to being distended through holes in the document 24.

In FIGS. 1 and 2 it is seen that the reading sensor 20 serves a dual purpose. It serves the purpose of conducting electricity and passing through the holes in the document 24 so as to make electrical contact with the electrodes 54. Also, it serves a second purpose in that it drives the document 24 past the document guide 46 and also past the electrical contact assembly 22. Further, the reading sensor 20, in conjunction with the document guide 46, provides part of the contact registration in that it holds the document 24 against the upper surface of the document guide 46. The side walls 50 position the document so as to prevent side to side movement of the document 24.

The reading sensor 20 is, substantially, electrically homogeneous and has abrasion resistance. However, the reading sensor 20 upon abrading reverts to an abraded product that is, essentially, electrically nonconductive. This abraded product which is, essentially, nonconductive, prevents bridging of the electrical contacts or electrodes 54 of the electrical contact assembly 22. Two materials which have been found to exhibit the properties described are products of General Electric Company bearing the designations SE-9057 and SE-33 respectively. Further, it is seen that the reading sensor 20 is of unitary construction.

If the document guide 46 is not of a dielectric material or of an insulative material, then it will be necessary to provide insulation around the electrodes 54 so as to insulate the electrodes 54 from the document guide 46.

In FIG. 3 there is illustrated a modification of the document guide 46, new number 70. The document guide 70 has a recessed central portion 48, walls 50, passageways 52, and recessed electrodes 72 in the passageways 52. In FIG. 3 it is seen that the recessed electrodes 72 are positioned, somewhat, below the upper surface of the recessed portion 48. This makes it possible for the document 24 to be of an electrically conductive material and not of a dielectric or insulative material. More particularly, if document 24 is of an electrical conductive material, then the document guide 70 must be of a dielectric material or insulative material. With the document positioned between the document guide 70 and the reading sensor 20, the reading sensor 20 will distend through the holes in the document and also into the passageways 52 so as to make contact with the recessed electrodes 72. Again, with the document guide 70, FIG. 3, it is possible that the document 24 be of an electrically conductive material, as well as of a dielectric material or insulating material, such as paper or plastic.

In FIG. 13 there is another modification of the document guide 46, new number 80. The document guide has a recessed central part 48, guide walls 50, and passageways 52. Also, there are electrodes 82 in the passageways 52. In this document guide 80 the electrodes 82 are flush with the upper surface 48 of the recessed central part.

The springs 64 serve a plurality of purposes or functions. One of these is to compensate for thickness of the document 24. As is readily appreciated, the thickness of one document 24 will vary from the thickness of another document 24. This is due to the manufacturing techniques and the composition of the document 24. Therefore, the springs 64 provide an essentially constant pressure in forcing the document guide 46, 70, or 80 toward the reading sensor 20 and therefore applies substantially constant pressure in forcing the document 24 against the reading sensor 20. This will compensate for variation in thickness of the document 24. A second function or purpose of spring 64 is to compensate for wear and abrasion of the reading sensor 20, and also the wear and abrasion of the electrodes or electrical contacts 54, 72 and 82. A third function or purpose of the spring 64 is to compensate for residual eccentricity in the reading sensor 20 and variations in thickness or splices in a single document 24. The resilient springs, by applying a substantially constant and uniform pressure against document 24 and the reading sensor 20, compensate for a residual eccentricity in the reading sensor 20 and the variation in thickness in a single document 24.

In FIG. 4 there is illustrated a modification of the reading sensor. It is seen that the modification 90 has a plurality of ridges 92. In FIG. 4 it is seen that the ciruclar ridges 92 are positioned above the electrodes 54 of the document guide 46.

The reading sensor 90 has a longer life than the reading sensor 20. For example, if a document has most of the holes along one edge or one side, the wear on the reading sensor 20 will be greater than the wear on the reading sensor 90. Therefore, the reading sensor 90 does have a substantially longer life than the reading sensor 20 as the circular ridges 92 are more flexible in being distended through theholes 28 and 30 of the document 24 and returning to their, substantially, original configuration. It is to be realized by the reader that the reading sensor 20 and the reading sensor 92 are forced through a set of holes 28 and 30 in the document 24, then, the document moves and the reading sensor 20 or 90 moves out of the holes in the document. Then, the reading sensor rotates and is again forced through the holes in the document 24. This causes wear and abrasion of the reading sensor. Due to the greater flexibility and resilience of the circular ridges 92, the reading sensor 90 will have a longer life than the reading sensor 20 in the configuration of a right circular cylinder. In the formulation of the elastic, resilient, rubbery-like electrically conductive material for the reading sensor 20 and the reading sensor 90, it is desirable to formulate a material having a controlled. abrasion. With controlled abrasion, some of the reading sensor, a very small amount, is continually abraded away so as to present a fresh, clean surface for the reading sensor 20 or the reading sensor 90.

In FIG. 5 there is illustrated an end view of the reading sensor, the electrical contact assembly 22, and the document 24. The reading sensor may be the reading sensor 20 in the configuration of a right circular cylinder or may be the reading sensor 90 having circular ridges 92. In FIG. it is seen that the document guide 46, 70, or 80 is constrained in longitudinal movement, viz., the direction of movement or flow of the document 24, by the upright supports or pedestals 42. Further, this makes it possible for the document guide to force the document 24 against the reading sensor in such a manner that the surface of the reading sensor is tangential with respect to the document 24, even though the document 24 is moving and the reading sensor is rotating.

In FIG. 6 there is illustrated a modification of the electrical contact assembly, 100. There is provided an insulative shaft or shaft 102 of dielectric material. There is mounted on the shaft 102 a series of circular electrodes 104 and circular insulators 106. The electrodes 104 and the insulators 106 alternate with respect to each other. Also, there are a plurality of slip-ring contacts 108. The slip-ring contacts 108 by means of electrical wires 1 10 join together in a band or grouping of wires 112. The band 112 connects with the source 60 of electromotive force, load and electrical systems. The shaft 102 is forced against the reading sensor on the shaft 32. It is to be realized that a document 24 passes between the reading sensor 20 and the slip-rings 104 or circular electrodes 104 and the insulators 106. In FIG. 6 the reading sensor 20 and the slip-rings 104 and insulators 106 are spaced apart so as to more clearly illustrate the reading sensor and the slip-rings. The purpose of the electrical contact assembly 100 is to realize the least wear and abrasion of the slip-rings 104 or circular electrodes 104, and, therefore, a longer life for the electrical contact assembly 100. Further, the electrical contact assembly 100 makes it possible to realize a longer life for the reading sensor 20. It is to be realized that the electrodes 54, 72, and 82 are stationary. With the rotation of the reading sensor 20 or the reading sensor 90, it means that there is one moving object contacting one stationary object. If both the reading sensor 20 or the reading sensor 90 are rotating at substantially the same angular velocity as the slip-rings 104, there is less'abrasion as the two moving parts are moving in unison, as contrasted with the reading sensor 20 or 90 moving and an electrode being stationary. Further, there will be less energy required by the motor 34 to move the document 24 between the rotating sensor and the rotating slip-ring, as contrasted with the rotating sensor and stationary electrode. This also means that there is less wear of the document 24 as the document 24 is moving between two rotating members and which members are rotating at substantially the same angular velocity, as contrasted with the reading sensor 20 or 90 forcing the document 24 past the stationary electrode 54, 72, or 82 and subsequent abrasion of the document 24.

The reading sensor 20, see FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 13, rotates while the document guide 44, 70 or 80 is stationary. In effect, the reading sensor 20 moves the document 24 past the document guide. In FIG. 6 itis seen that the reading sensor 20 and the electrical contact assembly 100 both rotate, at substantially the same angular velocity, to move the document 24. Now, in FIG. 14 the electrical contact assembly 100 rotates. There is the motor 34 and the output shaft 36. The electrical contact assembly 100 has an input shaft 102. The shafts 36 and 102 are joined by a union or a couple 38. The

reading sensor is numbered 120 and comprises an insulative block dielectric block 122 having a plurality of passageways 124 in the block 122. In the passageways 124 there are located a number of electrodes or electrical contacts 126. An electrical contact 126 by means of an electrical wire 128 joins a sheath or bundle of wires 130. The bundle of wires 130 connects with the electromotive source and electric load 60. In FIG. 14 it is seen that the circular electrodes or slip rings 104 and circular insulators 106 rotate while the reading sensor 120 is stationary and, the electrodes 126 are stationary. The electrodes 126 are of the elastic, resilient, rubbery like conductive material. The electrodes 126 may be of the same material as the reading sensor 20 and the reading sensor 90. The document 24 passes between the electrical contact assembly and the reading sensor 120. The reading sensor and the electrical contact assembly 100 are juxtapositioned close to each other. In fact, the document 24 is squeezed between the reading sensor 120 and the electrical contact assembly 100. For ease of illustration, in FIGS. 6 and 14, the document guide, the resilientsprings 64, the base and the like have been omitted. It is to be realized that there is a document guide for the electrical contact assembly 100, resilient springs for urging the reading sensor 120 and the electrical contact assembly 100 toward each other, and guides for guiding the electrical contact assembly 100.

In FIGS. 7 through 11 therre is illustrated variations of the reading sensor. The reading sensors of FIGS. 7 through 11 are for illustrative purposes to be used with documents of special configuration, special characteristics, and also to make it possible for the reading sensor to have a longer life.

In FIG. 7 there is the shaft 32 and on the shaft 32 there is a reading sensor in the general configuration of a cone. In certain instances it may be desirable to have the reading sensor in a configuration of a cone. The shaft 32 need not be rotated but it may rock so as to contact the reading sensor 130 with the document. The document may be a circular disc.

In FIG. 8 it is seen that there is a shaft 32. On the end of the shaft 32 there is a reading sensor 132 in the configuration of a hemisphere. Again, the shaft 32 need not be rotated but maybe rocked so as to contact the reading sensor 132 with the document.

In FIG. 9 there is a shaft 32. The shaft 32 is inside of a continuous belt 134, the reading sensor. The shaft 32 is rotated so as to contact the belt 134 with the document.

In FIG. 10 it is seen that there is a shaft 32 and a reading sensor 136. The reading sensor 136 is in the configuration of a ellipsoid. The shaft 32 need not be rotated but may be rocked so as to contact the reading sensor 136 with the document.

In FIG. 11 it is seen that there is the shaft 32 having on an outer end an enlarged right circular cylinder 138. The right circular cylinder 138 is on the inside of a moebius strip 140. The moebius strip 140 is the reading sensor. The shft 32 and the cylinder 138 are rotated so as to move the moebius strip 140 passed the document.

The belt 134 and the moebius strip 140 will give a longer life to the reading sensor. This is especially so with respect to the moebius strip 140 which presents a single surface topological form. As is readily appreciated the reading sensor 140 makes it possible to use both surfaces of the moebius strip. This means that the life of the reading sensor 140 is aprpoximately two times the life of the belt 134.

The reading sensors 130, 132, 134, 136 and 140 are all an elastic, resilient, rubbery like electrically conductive material the same material as is used in the reading sensors 20 and 90.

In FIGS. 7 through 11 it is seen that the reading sensor 130, 132, 134, 136 and 140 connect with the electromotive force and load source 60 by means of the electrical conductors 62.

In FIG. 12 there is illustrated a modification of the invention. There is an electrical contact assembly 150 comprising a plate 152 having a plurality of passageways or holes 154. There is positioned in the passageways or holes 154 a plurality of electrodes 156. The plate 152 is of dielectric material or insulative material. If the plate 152 is not of dielectric material then it is necessary to insulate the electrodes 156 from the plate 152. Electrical wires 158 connect with the electrodes 156 and form a sheath or bundle of wires 160. The sheath or bundle or wires 160 connect with the source of electromotive force and the load 60.

There is a reading sensor 162 comprising a substantially square or rectangular plate. There is positioned between the reading sensor 162 and the electrical contact assembly 150 a document 164 having a plurality of holes 166. 1

The reading sensor 162 may be pressed against the document 164 so as to press the document 164 against the plate 152. The reading sensor 162 is of the elastic, resilient, rubbery like electrically conductive material, the same as used in reading sensors 20, 90, 130, 132, 134, 136 and 140. The material of the reading sensor 162, under pressure, distends through the holes 166 and the document 164 and touch the various electrodes 156 so as to make an electrical contact. The -reading sensor 162, by means of an electrical wire 62 connects with the source of electromotive force and load 60 In FIG. 12 it is seen that there is a rolling shaft 168 for rolling over the outer surface of the reading sensor 162 so as to force the reading sensor against the document and the document against the electrical contact assembly so that material in the reading sensor will distend through the holes 166 in the document. With'the rolling shaft 168 there is a sequential reading of the information in the document 164. It is to be realized that instead of using a rolling shaft 168 and having a sequential reading of the information in the document 164 that it is possible to press the reading sensor 162 against the document 164 so as to have a substantially simultaneous reading of all the information in the document 164.

It is possible to have holes along the edge of the document 24 to indicate the end of the document; to indicate a tear or discontinuity in the document; and a general deterioration of the document.

With a driving means requiring a low inertia load it is desirable to have an energy storage means between the driving means and the load. This energy storage 132, 134, 136, and 162, are of anelastic, resilient material which, in itself, functions as an energy storage means to store the burst of energy and to release said energy over a relatively long period of time.

From the foregoing it is seen that I have provided a method for the direct interrogation of holes in a document and the reading of the information in the document with a minimum amount of motion and the wearing of components. Further, this method and apparatus has an inherent maximum reliability in the reading of the information in a document. In addition, it is seen that I have provided a method and apparatus whereby it is possible for the reading sensor to also transport the document, and, in conjunction with this,'to read the document at the point of transport. Further, there is provided a constraint upon the movement of the document with respect to both the point of transport of the document and the reading of the document.

What I claim is:

1. A combination of a document with holes, a reading sensor and an electrical contact assembly for reading said document with holes, said combination comprising:

a. said reading sensor comprising:

b. an elastic;

c. resilient;

d. electrically conductive material;

e. said electrical contact assembly comprising a plurality of electrical contacts juxtapositioned to but spaced apart from said reading sensor to allow said document to be positioned between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly;

f. said document being between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly;

g. said reading sensor being unitary;

h. said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document between them with said document free of being bent; and,

i. said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document as a card, a strip'of material and as a continuous strip of material. I

2. An apparatus for reading a perforated document having holes, said apparatus comprising:

a. a reading sensor and an electrical contact assemb. said reading sensor comprising an elastic, homogenous, resilient electrically conductive material subject to abrasion in use, whose abraded particles revert to an essentially electrically non-conductive material upon abrading;

c. said material capable of being forced through said holes in said document and then, substantially, returning to its original configuration prior to being forced again through said holes;

d. said electrical contact assembly comprising a plurality of electrical contacts juxtapositioned to but spaced apart from said reading sensor to allow said document to be positioned between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly;

e. a means resiliently urging said electrical contact assembly toward said reading sensor to force said document with substantially even pressure against said reading sensor;

f. said reading sensor and said electrical contact as sembly being capable of receiving said perforated document between them with said document free of being bent; and,

g. said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document as a card, a strip of material and as a continuous strip of material.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being electrically homogeneous and having abrasion resistance.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being unitary, electrically homogeneous and having abrasion resistance.

5. An apparatus according to claim 2 and comprising:

a. said sensor being a plurality of individual units of said material.

6. A combination of reading sensor and an electrical contact assembly for reading a document with holes, said combination comprising:

a. said reading sensor comprising a unitary elastic,

homogenous, resilient electrical conductive material subject to abrasion in use whose abraded particles revert to an essentially electrically nonconductive material upon abrading;

b. said electrical contact assembly comprising a plurality of electrical contacts juxtapositioned to but spaced apart from said reading sensor to allow said document to be positioned between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly;

c. a means resiliently urging reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly together; and,

d. said reading sensor and said electrical'contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document in the form of a card and of a continuous strip of material between them with said document free of being bent.

7. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a right circular cylinder.

8. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a cone.

9. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a hemisphere.

10. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of part of an ellipsoid.

11. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a belt.

12. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a moebius strip.

13. A combination according to claim 6 comprising:

a. said material capable of being forced through said holes in said document and then, substantially, returning to its original configuration prior to being forced again through said holes;

b. said material being electrically homogeneous; and,

0. having abrasion resistance.

14. A combination according to claim 6 and comprismg:

a. said sensor capable of rotating and moving said document.

15. A combination according to claim 6 and compris- 12 ing:

a. a means for resiliently urging said electrical contact assembly toward said reading sensor.

16. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. a means for restraining the movement of said electrical contact assembly with the movement of the document.

17. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. a document constraint;

b. said document constraint supporting and positioning said electrical contact assembly; and,

c. a means for resiliently urging said document constraint toward said reading sensor.

18. A combination according to claim 17 and comprising: I

a. said document constraint on that surface facing said reading sensor having a means for guiding said document and for registering said document with said electrical contact assembly.

19. A combination according to claim 18 and comprising:

a. a means for restraining the movement of said docu' ment constraint with the movement of said document.

20. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being fixed;

b. said electrical contact assembly being fixed; and,

c. a means for moving said document between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly.

21. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor moving in conjunction with the movement of said document and presenting a fresh surface to said document; and,

b. said electrical contact assembly being fixed.

22. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor moving in conjunction with the movement of said document and presenting a fresh surface to said document; and,

b. said electrical contact assembly moving in conjunction with the movement of said document.

23. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor being fixed; and,

b. said electrical contact assembly moving in conjunction with the movement of said document.

24. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: I

a. said reading sensor moving in conjunction with the movement of said document for moving said document; and,

b. said electrical contact assembly being fixed.

25. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising:

a. said reading sensor moving in conjunction with the movement of said document for moving said document; and,

b. said electrical contact assembly moving in conjunction with the movement of said document. 

1. A combination of a document with holes, a reading sensor and an electrical contact assembly for reading said document with holes, said combination comprising: a. said reading sensor comprising: b. an elastic; c. resilient; d. electrically conductive material; e. said electrical contact assembly comprising a plurality of electrical contacts juxtapositioned to but spaced apart from said reading sensor to allow said document to be positioned between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly; f. said document being between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly; g. said reading sensor being unitary; h. said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document between them with said document free of being bent; and, i. said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document as a card, a strip of material and as a continuous strip of material.
 2. An apparatus for reading a perforated document having holes, said apparatus comprising: a. a reading sensor and an electrical contact assembly; b. said reading sensor comprising an elastic, homogenous, resilient electrically conductive material subject to abrasion in use, whose abraded particles revert to an essentially electrically non-conductive material upon abrading; c. said material capable of being forced through said holes in said document and then, substantially, returning to its original configuration prior to being forced again through said holes; d. said electrical contact assembly comprising a plurality of electrical contacts juxtapositioned to but spaced apart from said reading sensor to allow said document to be positioned between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly; e. a means resiliently urging said electrical contact assembly toward said reading sensor to force said document with substantially even pressure against said reading sensor; f. said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document between them with said document free of being bent; and, g. said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document as a card, a strip of material and as a continuous strip of material.
 3. An apparatus according to claim 2 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being electrically homogeneous and having abrasion resistance.
 4. An apparatus according to claim 2 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being unitary, electrically homogeneous and having abrasion resistance.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 2 and Comprising: a. said sensor being a plurality of individual units of said material.
 6. A combination of reading sensor and an electrical contact assembly for reading a document with holes, said combination comprising: a. said reading sensor comprising a unitary elastic, homogenous, resilient electrical conductive material subject to abrasion in use whose abraded particles revert to an essentially electrically non-conductive material upon abrading; b. said electrical contact assembly comprising a plurality of electrical contacts juxtapositioned to but spaced apart from said reading sensor to allow said document to be positioned between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly; c. a means resiliently urging reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly together; and, d. said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly being capable of receiving said perforated document in the form of a card and of a continuous strip of material between them with said document free of being bent.
 7. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a right circular cylinder.
 8. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a cone.
 9. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a hemisphere.
 10. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of part of an ellipsoid.
 11. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a belt.
 12. A sensor according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being in the general configuration of a moebius strip.
 13. A combination according to claim 6 comprising: a. said material capable of being forced through said holes in said document and then, substantially, returning to its original configuration prior to being forced again through said holes; b. said material being electrically homogeneous; and, c. having abrasion resistance.
 14. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said sensor capable of rotating and moving said document.
 15. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. a means for resiliently urging said electrical contact assembly toward said reading sensor.
 16. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. a means for restraining the movement of said electrical contact assembly with the movement of the document.
 17. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. a document constraint; b. said document constraint supporting and positioning said electrical contact assembly; and, c. a means for resiliently urging said document constraint toward said reading sensor.
 18. A combination according to claim 17 and comprising: a. said document constraint on that surface facing said reading sensor having a means for guiding said document and for registering said document with said electrical contact assembly.
 19. A combination according to claim 18 and comprising: a. a means for restraining the movement of said document constraint with the movement of said document.
 20. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being fixed; b. said electrical contact assembly being fixed; and, c. a means for moving said document between said reading sensor and said electrical contact assembly.
 21. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor moving in conjunction with the movement of said document and presenting a fresh surface to said document; and, b. said electrical contact assembly being fixed.
 22. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor moving in conjunction with the movement of said document and presenting a fresh surface to said document; and, b. said electrical contact assembly moving in conjunction with the movement of said document.
 23. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor being fixed; and, b. said electrical contact assembly moving in conjunction with the movement of said document.
 24. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor moving in conjunction with the movement of said document for moving said document; and, b. said electrical contact assembly being fixed.
 25. A combination according to claim 6 and comprising: a. said reading sensor moving in conjunction with the movement of said document for moving said document; and, b. said electrical contact assembly moving in conjunction with the movement of said document. 